Debt Consolidation Credit Counseling In Phoenix

As you're probably aware, a number of market systems exist that claim to be sure money makers. That shouldn't be surprising given the number of market traders expending time and effort on developing systems to capitalize on trends and anomalies within the market. But not all these systems are as reliable as they claim to be. Smart traders will choose carefully, or watch their hard-earned capital drain away.

Theta decay is one much-hailed example of such systems. The name itself is surely impressive. The fact is, though, that theta decay rests on a very fundamental concept in option trading the fact that options expire on a set date.

Because option trading instruments have a finite life span, their value would tend to change as they come closer to the strike date. In analyzing trends in trading of options, the spread of prices that exist between the issuance date and the strike date is shown to get smaller as the issue nears expiration.

The reason an option trading system using theta decay analysis works is because there is a more perfect information system in place for options than stock issues. Option trading is a more information efficient market because of the expiration date. Keen traders who keep up with the information flow can stand to make big gains from a system using this analysis.

But how does one put theta decay to play in stock options trading? It's not as difficult as you might think. The key insight is that the time value of money changes faster as the expiration date approaches. Studies have found that an option's time value falls according to a linear pattern before reaching the last thirty or so trading days before its expiration date.

Those last thirty days are where this set of option trading strategies comes into full effect. As the issue gets closer within that thirty day period, the time value of the option starts to decline at an accelerated rate. As a result, if you hold certain positions, you can profit from this loss.

By holding a short position in an option that is close to expiration while selling an inverse call option, you can capitalize on the vale loss in a couple of ways. You can make money by selling the call at a premium to what the actual value is, and can make money on the short position so long as the option fails to finish in the money on the positive side.

If you get your timing right and keep an eagle eye out for option information, theta decay is a useful tool to employ with your stock options trading. As with any system, there is always the possibility of losing your principal through incautious application of the technique. However, if you are attuned to the market and carefully scrutinize expiration dates, you can easily find yourself making money with this effective and under-utilized strategy.

"Do I really need a house short sale?" That's the first question you should ask yourself. If your way upside down on your mortgage, and you want to avoid foreclosure, read on! I'm not a real estate pro, I'm just an investor who got caught up in the same situation your in now. For me, it hurts so much more because I have so much more debt. Here's how I determined my positions:

1) Interview Realtors: Find one that you can trust who either specializes in house short sales, or has done at least 30 of them. An added bonus would be a degree in finance, such as an MBA and a real estate brokers license. The license gives them addition legal responsibility to act in your best interest. It might be wise to consult a CPA and real estate attorney as well, but it will be your realtor that creates and finishes the deal. Please make sure you don't get swindled by one the companies that asks you to send them the money up front. A legitimate realtor will pay ALL the fees including marketing costs, and get reimbursed when the lender pays the commission.

2) Price It: The first step is of course, to determine just how much trouble your in. The worse the situation, the better your chances of a successful short sale. Most realtors will help give you a current fair market value for your house, and what the short sale price should be. Don't waste you money on an appraisal, they won't do you any good here! Be realistic, and be aggressive in lowering the price. Don't let emotional attachment to the house set the price. You'll be even more emotional if you can't sell it! The goal is to be relieved of the debt with a successful short sale.

3) Now Do Some Figuring: Here's where I figured out if I needed a short sale. You can follow along with your own numbers: Take your total loan amount, and subtract the present value of the house. Not what it's worth, but how much you can get for it TODAY. This is how much your "Upside Down" in the loan. Then, figure your annual expenses including a year's worth of payments, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and repairs. This is your "Yearly Cost" to keep the house. Now, take the amount your upside down and multiply it by 8%. We will assume the best case scenario. In a FAST appreciating market, this is how much your house value would go up each year, if the housing bubble was over today. (yeah right!) We'll call this number: "Appreciation per Year." Finally, divide the Upside Down amount, by Appreciation per Year. This is how many years it will take just to break even with the amount you owe on your loan. No profit, no realized appreciation. Now look at your Yearly Cost to Keep the House. Is it worth it to keep it for that many years?

To illustrate: Let's say you bought a duplex with a $1,000,000 loan. In just one year it has depreciated drastically and will sell for only $800,000. Is it a good idea to seek a short sale?

Upside Down: $800,000 - $600,000 = $200,000 Annual Costs: Includes all yearly expenses = $60,000 Appreciation: Assuming a booming market = $200,000 x .08 = $16,000

Verdict: It will take 12.5 years of appreciation at 8% per year, just to break even with the original value of the property, and to get there, it will cost $60,00 per year! In addition, after 12.5 years of suffering, full ownership of the house is still far away and over $750,000 will have been paid in mortgage payments and expenses.

You don't have to guess what I decided to do. My numbers we're very similar to these. I know I'll take a hit on my credit, but for me, 2 -3 years to rebuild my credit is a lot better than 12.5 years of suffering. I'm going to call it quits and live to fight another day.

The majority of Americans have errors and other unverifiable information on their credit reports that could be dragging down their credit score. Odds are good that your credit score is lower than it should be. The unfortunate thing is that odds are you will be yet another one of the millions of Americans who will continue to suffer with an unfair credit score because you will do nothing to repair your credit.

Most Americans want to believe the credit reporting system works; that people earn their bad credit and there is nothing they can do about it but wait for seven years. But study after study shows the credit reporting system frequently does not work. This is why the Fair Credit Reporting Act and other consumer protection legislation give you the right to do something about it - the right to make sure your credit score is as good as it can be.

So now you are asking yourself, how do they ensure this information is correct? If a creditor reports something that is wrong, how do the credit bureaus make sure it doesn't end up on your credit reports? The answer to both of these questions is: they don't. Your creditors report information, the credit bureaus record it, and for most people, the story ends there.The credit bureaus at the center of the credit reporting system are not official organizations. Instead, they are massive, for-profit corporations that collect personal information from your creditors and make money by selling this information in the form of your credit reports.

Nobody at the credit bureaus or in the government is going to make sure your credit reports are accurate. The way the credit reporting system is set up, there is only one person who will ever bother to check up on your credit reports - and that person is you. You are the missing, and ultimately the most important, piece of the credit reporting puzzle.

Making sure your credit score is where it should be is your responsibility and repairing your credit reports is a task you will have to initiate because no one out there will do it for you. It is your right and your responsibility to dispute the questionable negative items in your credit reports and the sooner you start, the better. You can work to repair your credit on your own or you can enlist the help of a credit repair law firm like Lexington Law.

Nobody at the credit bureaus or in the government is going to make sure your credit reports are accurate. The way the credit reporting system is set up, there is only one person who will ever bother to check up on your credit reports - and that person is you. You are the missing, and ultimately the most important, piece of the credit reporting puzzle.

Property ownership and buying a home for the first time can be an exciting yet mind-boggling experience. Before you make a decision, it is important, therefore, that you know your options as well as the basics of home mortgage loans.

What is a mortgage?

A mortgage is a loan you pull out to pay off your home. If you are a first time home mortgage loan borrower, you may be asked to deposit a down payment and pay for the rest (i.e. monthly) through a mortgage loan. Establishments that can offer mortgages are mortgage specialists, building societies and banks.

What are the types of mortgage?

-The repayment mortgage - monthly payments are made within an agreed term until loan and interest are paid off.

-The interest-only mortgage - monthly payments are made for a period of time as agreed in the contract, except payments cover only the loan's interest within the initial term. Afterwards, you are asked to make interest payments in full every month.

-The fixed-rate mortgage - requires you to pay for a fixed interest rate over the whole term. Interest rates do not change and therefore offers a feeling of certainty for most borrowers.

-Adjustable rate mortgage type - has rates that adjust after an initial term containing a fixed rate. Rates could adjust depending on the rise and fall of other economic rates. This could sound daunting for first time home mortgage loan borrowers, but those who want a lower initial rate can benefit from this type of mortgage.

What are the requirements?

1. Good credit report:

From your credit report, lenders will be able to determine whether they can grant your application or to increase the interest rates for your loan. Lenders especially want to make sure that a first time home mortgage loan borrower has the ability and willingness to make his or her payments.

2. Insurance:

If you have just been in an accident, lost your job or became sick, your insurance can be used to pay off your mortgage. You might be required to use life insurance to pay off your mortgage should death occur. What are some tips I can use before purchasing property?

- Improve your credit report - Avoid applying for more credit and pay on time. - Review and correct credit information - Contact the credit bureau to correct inaccuracies - Get the best program - Choose a plan that is most suitable for your situation. - Research - Jot down your price range and find out how much you can borrow. - Do it online - Using the Internet could save you more time and money. Lenders now offer mortgage calculators online that you can use to predict which mortgage program is most suitable for you. - Choose the best mortgage specialist - Determine if the specialist works in a company that is likely to stay in business whenever rates fluctuate. - Ask for advice - Look for recommendations so you are familiar with what kind of mortgage plan you are getting into.

Of course, these are only practical suggestions and should not be used in legal matters.

Creditors and bankers approve or disapprove loans based on your credit worthiness. In some cases it also will determine your credibility to certain employers or landlords.

A good credit rating allows you to be able to apply for loans and/or credit cards easily. It will also mean that you will have more chances of getting certain jobs that may require a background check. You will be able to pay your bills on time.

Having bad credit reduces the opportunities of these things. You may get approved for a loan or for a credit card but with a higher interest rate. You are considered a "at risk" customer because the creditors are not sure if you will pay your bills on time. If you are trying to apply for an apartment complex the landlords may take a look at your credit score to determine if you will be able to pay your rent and utilities.

These are just some of the many reasons as to why having a good credit score is very important in today's world. However, what do you do if you happen to have a bad credit score? If you have bad credit it is important to fix the problem as soon as you can. Here are several ways to do just that.

First, you must stop missing payments and make payments on time to avoid making things worse. So how do you do this? You pay your previous overdue debts as soon as possible. This cuts off the bad credit reports from creditors. It will not improve the actual credit score but it will put you on the right track to repairing your credit history.

Next, you can raise your credit score by opening a new savings or checking account. You should also apply for a secured credit card. This secured card will have a lower limit and a higher interest rate however,by paying the monthly credit card bills on time you will be able to see a significant rise in your credit history report.

Follow these steps you will eventually start to see a good credit rating. However, your past credit history will remain on the "books". This does not expire for 5 to 7 years. You must remember that it does take time to raise your credit rating. You must be patient and diligent to see a change.

That is why it is very important to make positive reports for your creditors. They then will pass those on to credit reporting agencies. Remember to pay your loans and credit cards on time in order to get a good credit rating. By doing so you will eventually end up with a good credit score and history. Never miss out on a future financial opportunity when they come your way.